Lawmakers Try Again to make “Tobacco 21” Illinois Law

State Capitol, February 5, 2019 – It was passed before but vetoed by then Gov Rauner. Now the American Lung Association and members of Illinois’ medical community are working to pass HB-345, a new effort to prohibit the sale of tobacco products to anyone below the age of 21 in Illinois. State Capitol, Feb 5 2019 – It’s called “Tobacco 21” by those pushing the bill, HB-345, that would limit the sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 in Illinois.

In this press conference that was held just a short time before the bill went before a committee, members of the Illinois medical community from various organizations, shared their views on the need to limit tobacco sales. Among those speaking to reporters was Senate President, John Cullerton (D).

A similar bill was passed by the legislature last year, but it was vetoed by then Gov Rauner. Now with Gov Pritzker in office, supporters think this bill has an excellent chance of being signed into law.

Some of those opposed to the bill, say this will cost Illinois more business. In some areas along the state borders, critics say those who are under 21, will drive to Missouri, Iowa,, and other bordering states to buy their cigarettes — and likely purchase gas and other items that otherwise would have been purchased in Illinois, with Illinois sales taxes being collected, as well as helping those Illinois businesses maintain their sales volume.

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